Application Type: Startup Competition
Location: United States
Award Pool: $250,000 Total
Program Duration: 15 Weeks
Competition Period: February 10 – May 28, 2025
National Awards Celebration: San Francisco, CA (2026 Media Impact Forum)
The Next Challenge for Media & Journalism is the largest startup competition open to nonprofit and for-profit media companies in the United States.
This year, $250,000 will be awarded to early-stage startups serving media and journalism.
Award Structure
• Up to 18 Division Finalists will be selected
• Each Finalist receives a $3,000 stipend
• Each Division Winner receives up to $50,000
• Division Winners are eligible for an additional $25,000 Grand Prize Award
What Finalists Receive
Division Finalists will benefit from:
• A $3,000 stipend to support travel to San Francisco, CA for the 2026 National Awards Celebration
• Access to the 2026 Media Impact Forum (a funder-only gathering focused on the future of media philanthropy)
• Training opportunities with Next Challenge partners and industry leaders
• A dedicated mentor with relevant startup and industry experience
• Support refining pitch decks and pitch videos
• A cohort of peer finalists for collaboration and networking
“Not only did the recognition we receive as finalists lay the groundwork for many connections and partnerships with journalism organizations, but the experience also served as a catalyst for further innovation between Rolli and another finalist.”
— Nick Toso, Founder & CEO of Rolli, Next Challenge Finalist
Award Divisions
Applicants may apply to one (and only one) of the following three divisions:
1. Cornerstone Award for Local News Infrastructure
Presented to a technology startup building digital tools to address the critical needs of journalists and local news organizations.
2. Catalyst Award for Local News Innovation
Presented to a groundbreaking nonprofit or for-profit news organization representing a new way forward for local journalism in the United States.
3. Pioneer Award for Creator Journalism
Presented to an independent journalist using emerging digital platforms to strengthen civil discourse in their local community.
Additional Awards
Outstanding Division Finalists may also receive:
• Vision Award – Up to $12,500 for a bold vision to reinvent media and journalism
• Trust Award – Up to $12,500 for investing in transparency and engagement to build stronger relationships with low-trust audiences
Eligibility Criteria
Cornerstone & Catalyst Awards Eligibility
Applicants must:
• Be legally incorporated for-profit or nonprofit media startups based in the United States or U.S. Territories
• Have the majority of employees and/or contractors residing in the United States
• Be legally incorporated no earlier than March 10, 2016
• Have earned less than $1,000,000 in gross revenue (including philanthropic support) in the twelve months ending December 31, 2025 (excluding investment dollars)
• Be launched and actively publishing
• Provide access to their content, product, or service as part of the application
Projects with fiscal sponsors may apply only if they intend to become independent organizations and are not internal ventures of universities, nonprofits, or companies.
Pioneer Award Eligibility
Independent creators must:
• Be U.S.-based (legal incorporation not required)
• Exercise editorial control over their work
• Not be structurally employed by or contractually subordinate to a media institution
• Have earned less than $1,000,000 in gross revenue (including philanthropic support) in the twelve months ending December 31, 2025 (excluding investment dollars)
• Be actively publishing and able to provide access to their work
Ineligible Applicants
• Previous Next Challenge monetary award winners
• Companies in which American Public Media Group (APMG) has an ownership stake
Refer to official rules for full eligibility details.
Judging Criteria
Applications are reviewed by American Public Media Group (APMG), supported by independent judges with expertise in media and investing.
Entries are scored based on:
• Division Fit (30%) – Alignment with division description
• Innovation (20%) – Novelty and uniqueness of the concept
• Audience Impact (20%) – Clear target market and positive audience impact
• Business Model (20%) – Realistic revenue model and sustainability potential
• Team (10%) – Relevant experience and audience understanding
Hosting Organization
The Next Challenge is a program of the Glen Nelson Center at American Public Media Group.
The Glen Nelson Center identifies, elevates, and invests in emerging media and journalism ventures led by diverse and visionary founders. To date, the Center has supported over 600 startups through competitions, investments, and accelerator programs.
American Public Media Group (APMG) is the parent organization for:
• American Public Media
• Minnesota Public Radio
• Southern California Public Radio
APMG’s mission is to create the future of public media by amplifying voices to inform, include, and inspire.
Why Apply?
The Next Challenge offers:
• National recognition
• Financial support up to $75,000
• Direct access to funders and industry leaders
• Mentorship and pitch development
• Long-term ecosystem connections
For early-stage media startups and independent journalism creators in the United States, this is a rare opportunity to gain visibility, funding, and strategic guidance at a national level.
Visit the official website at thenextchallenge.com for detailed schedules, FAQs, and application instructions.
